NACA DG: FG to support local production of HIV drugs, test kits

Temitope Ilori, director-general of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), says there are plans by the federal government to support the domestic production of HIV commodities, including test kits and antiretroviral drugs, before the end of 2025.

Ilori spoke in Ilorin, Kwara state capital, on Friday during the inauguration of the Kwara prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) and paediatrics ART acceleration committee.

Ilori noted that local production is part of the government’s strategy to create an enabling environment to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.

She highlighted additional measures being implemented, including enrolling all individuals in the national health insurance programme, mobilising resources to states, strengthening advocacy efforts, and supporting vaccine research and innovation.

Ilori added that the new committee is a step towards achieving an AIDS-free generation and ensuring a sustainable response to HIV.

“UNAIDS 2023 reports indicate that approximately 140,000 children aged 0-14 are living with HIV, with 22,000 new infections and 15,000 AIDS-related deaths occurring annually,” she said.

“Despite progress, PMTCT and pediatric HIV coverage remain below 33%, far from the 95% target.

“To address this, the global alliance action plan to end AIDS in children was developed in 2021 with full financial support, yet coverage remains suboptimal.”

Ilori noted that while Kwara state’s HIV prevalence (0.8%) is below the national average of 1.4 percent, disparities persist.

“Women are disproportionately affected (1.3%) compared to men (0.4%), and some local governments require targeted interventions to maintain and further reduce prevalence rates,” she added.

“Achieving an AIDS-free generation is within reach, and no child should be born HIV-positive in Kwara state.

“I urge all partners to support us in developing a comprehensive line list of children of HIV-positive clients, which is crucial to accelerating pediatric ART nationwide.”

She further stated that the minister of state for health has set up a national acceleration committee.

The NACA DG said the model is being replicated at the state level to eliminate mother-to-child transmission and enhance real-time programme monitoring.

She stressed the need for government-led sustainability efforts to reduce dependence on donor support.

“Over the past few days, I have received numerous calls regarding the implications of the 90-day foreign aid suspension on our HIV programme,” she added.

“While we are relieved that HIV services remain exempt, this situation underscores the need for government-led sustainability efforts.”

US President Donald Trump recently ordered a funding pause for HIV treatment in developing countries as part of an executive order on foreign aid.

As a result, the US department of state suspended the disbursement of funds from the president’s emergency plan for AIDS relief (PEPFAR).